Letter: Net Neutrality is nothing to gloss over

Today I wrote a letter to John McCain. This is not something that I do often, and I suspect is the case for many Americans. Political opinions and complaints I will volunteer freely and enthusiastically. That next step is far more difficult, but I am not done yet. What is my newly discovered motivation?

Network Neutrality. Try not to let your eyes glaze over on this issue, because it is absolutely paramount that people understand what this is about.

As a student at Mohave Community College, I selected Network Neutrality for my argumentative paper in English class. In this presentation, I expressed the opinion that the new FCC classification of Title II was a victory for consumers. It was a victory because it would allow stricter regulatory oversight for consumers. Why do we want stricter regulatory oversight?

This development was precipitated by the Verizon court case where a favorable ruling was received on behalf of Verizon, when it was brought up that the FCC, legally, had no regulatory authority to prevent ISP’s from throttling internet traffic.

Deliberately slowing internet traffic. This is just one example of the many doors that will be opened for ISPs if they are allowed to wield such immense control over the flow of traffic. And make no mistake, that is what we are talking about here: Control over the flow of internet traffic.

I believe that this is an issue that would draw massive bipartisan support. Rolling back Network Neutrality rules will only benefit ISPs, at the expense of consumers. At the end of my paper I provided an ominous warning: They would fight back. They will not quit.

In order to win, massive public support will be required. Will you help us fight to maintain a free and open internet? If you want to want to know more about how you can help, send me an email at mdillinger2010@gmail.com.